Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy. —Leo Buscaglia
Do you ever find yourself worrying about things?
I really don’t think things are going to work out the way I need them.
I am never going to be able to get all of this work done.
Why hasn’t he called me back yet?
I think I have really blown it this time and don’t have enough money to pay the bills.
Worrying used to definitely be one of my issues and the crazy things was I knew it wasn’t doing anything good for me. Somehow though I would continually fall into the worry trap time and time again.
But, then something finally clicked. I realized I needed to do whatever I could to break the bad habit of worrying. And, of course I want you to join me. This is definitely one of those bad habits we’ve got to get rid of if we are really going to take advantage of the possibility of today (and every today that follows).
So, how about this? If there is something we can do about whatever it is we are worried about, we’ll do it. But, if there isn’t, then we’ve got to find the quickest escape route out of the worrying Infinite Loop.
No More Wasted Time Worrying
The best way to create the future we want is not by allowing our minds to play games on us and get us to continually focus on all the worse case scenarios. Worrying really just works against us and weighs us down.
Instead of wasting your time worrying, why not use the day the best way you can and keep your good energy flowing? Why not do those things that are actually going to get you to where you want to be?
Don’t waste your time worrying about not getting enough work done. Instead, focus on doing the work in front of you in the best way possible and getting done what you can.
Don’t waste your time worrying about not being able to pay your bills. Do things today that will set you up to actually be able to pay your bills – create a budget or put together a plan to get out of debt.
Don’t waste your time worrying about why he isn’t calling you. Use your time to focus on enjoying the day and the people around you.
It’s like one of my favorite quotes by Ralph Marston explains, “What we do today improves all of our tomorrows.” Let’s not waste today away worrying. There are too many other good things out there just waiting for us.
The Possibility of Today:
1. Trust the way things unfold. Remind yourself that everything is ultimately going to be okay. Granted everything may not happen exactly as planned, but in one way or another, it is all unfolding just as it’s meant to. You have to believe that truth and trust that if you do everything you can today, things will work out tomorrow.
2. If worries surface, don’t try to suppress them or pretend they aren’t there. Let them rise to the surface. If there is something you can do about whatever you are worried about, do it. If not, then focus on doing whatever is in front of you in the best way possible. Don’t feed the worries with your attention.
Live Today Better than Yesterday
Did you like this article? Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. If there’s anything you need to contact me about, please feel free to e-mail me at sibyl@possibilityoftoday.com or use the contact form. I always love hearing from you.
I am sometimes plagued by the worry bug. But whenever I feel the loop revving up I stop and pray. It helps me to focus on the fact that God is in control.
Hi Stephanie: Thanks so much for the comment and for dropping by. I think it’s great you have a technique that helps you work through those worries. That really is how you break the habit by putting into use those techniques that really work the best for you:) Thanks so much for the comment and for dropping by.
I used to be a real split personality when it came to worrying – inside I’d be anxious, while presenting a totally calm outer attitude. I’d pretend and preach that everything was going to be fine – this helped everyone related to the issue. But inside, I’d simply fester.
Gosh, that took its toll on me. Then somehow, subconsciously something snapped and I was aligned again – I realized I could spend the same energy focusing on the positive after I let the worry wash over me. As my Granma often said – more can be achieved by using the time to make things better or just letting them go – than worrying. The Universe has a plan. We believe strongly in Karma. 
And in some weird way, that helps accept things we cannot change. Instead, we practice being calm and move on to the things that matter.
One thing that really works for me is just “sleeping over it” – I always wake up happy, refreshed and look forward to the brand new day!
Loved the post, Sibyl!
Hugs! Vidya
You’ve got to love that fresh new day:) Thanks so much Vidya for dropping by and thanks for the comment. I think you are so right about the Universe having a plan and the best thing we can do is focus on accepting whatever the moment brings us:) Thanks again for dropping by and sharing your wisdom here.
I remember when “worrywort” was my middle name until one day I decided I’d simply save any worries up and have a half hour worry session, where I could worry away to my heart’s content. Funny thing happened, I couldn’t worry for that long and it didn’t take too long before the habit of worrying more or less disappeared.
Love Elle
xoxo
Great story Elle:) Thank you so much for the comment and taking the time to stop by. I really appreciate it. Always great to hear your thoughts:)
Love it! I tend to worry a lot and about things that haven’t even happened and may never happen. Your advice is spot on. I feel so much better when I’m proactive and DO something, and then my worrying fades away on its own. Action is more powerful than worrying.
Action really is more powerful than worrying. I definitely agree with that and am so glad you loved the article. Thanks so much Sage for dropping by and taking the time to comment.
Great post Sybil. I suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, so worry is my constant companion. I really liked your suggestions and am looking forward to putting them into practice. Thanks!
So glad Tony. I am glad you liked the article and the suggestions. It’s so great that you are going to put them to practice. Let’s get rid of that constant worry companion once and for all:)
Your articles in really fantastic, They are a booster That i need in my daily fife.
Thanks a lot.
So glad Wilson that you liked the article:) Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment and let me know. I really appreciate it.
29) It may take extreme pressure and a few billion years for carbon to become the diamond, but I marvel more when two friends become lovers with just this twinkle within their eyes.
I am not ‘worrying’ Sibyl since my injury on the 14Th.
Instead I immediately thought…What positive things can I do with my time off from work?
1) I can create my own quotes and leave them here and there. You received #27 your last post. Zeenat received #28 just last night. I created #29 right before I logged on to type this (one handed) comment
…no worry!
2) Despite the cast on my left arm and hand I actually worked on a 18mm x 15mm Mid-Century ladies Swiss wristwatch movement today…just to say “I can”…
3) I am using the time off to work on a poem…with all that has happened I have this surge of inspiration!
4) I am going to use the time off to study for my Journey Man’s test.
5) I am going to do more online work related technical Apps.
6) R&R… I have not been away from my job in 8 years.
7) Reflect.
This injury and an injury to my soul recently has told me:
On a day when all goes so fantastic you hold yourself in harms way for letting even a fraction of a negative thought invade your sanctuary of self.
Trying to amend and gain acceptance can be a form of worry that just feeds fuel to a fire that has burning you alive.
…so don’t worry:
http://youtu.be/mACqcZZwG0k
*The ocean slides in this video are just killing me! No surf fishing for me unless I waterproof the arm cast….???… Eh! whoooa dude!
I can wrap Styrofoam..resin it…and do some *Narly* body surfing!
Sorry to hear about your injury Rand, but I am happy to see your perspective and the way you accepted and approached it. That really is admirable:) Thanks for the comment and thanks for dropping by.
Sibyl,
I’ve been working on this since my two oldest boys entered high school! It’s the reason I became a “Zen Mama”. The funny thing is that I had never worried much about anything in my life until this time. I was worried about everything that could happen to them as teenagers. I did not trust that everything would turn out the way it should. So needless to say, I love this post and I love your two tips. I hardly ever worry anymore but when I acknowledge the worry, try to let go and trust that everything will work out!
xoxo
Betsy
“Let go and trust”. I think that says it all. Great words of wisdom Betsy. Thanks for sharing it here – Zen Mama:)
Thanks for this great blog post Sibyl. I’ve been worry a lot lately even though it’s I KNOW it’s not helping me. So your blog post is very timely. The tips you provided are extremely helpful.
So glad that you liked it Andrea and that the tips were helpful. Let’s work on breaking that worry habit:) Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Great post Sibyl..as always.
I love your quote about worrying and will share the following “worrying is like rocking in a chair, it gives you something to do but gets you no where”. We are all plagues by the worry bug and my greatest challenge is to “trust” its all working and will work out how its meant to be and for my best. WIsh I could nail that habit down…..
LOL. Love that quote Nadia. It is so true. Keep working on nailing that habit:) Thanks for the comment and for dropping by.
Great blog Sibyl.
I agree that worrying is a huge waste of time (and energy too).
In my book, a worry is simply a negative thought about something that hasn’t happened. When I realized that there can also be a POSITIVE THOUGHT about something that hasn’t happened yet, I was on my way to freedom.
I used to be an extreme worrier. (And let me tell you – I was GREAT at it lol!)
Once I began using a cool technique I was able to actually change my worrying into feeling calm.
I now teach my clients a powerful tool that helps them change their worries into a different thought.
Now if I could only teach my sister…..
Hey Wendy:) Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I think that is a great approach and an amazing pointer in the direction of freedom. Thanks for sharing it here.
…read this Nora Ephron quote today:
“When your children are teenagers it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.”
Perhaps this is some help to Betsy? Sibyl in an eyewink they will become teenagers…not to ‘worry’…having a dog…that is
Gad and you don’t even have to send the mut off to college!
Only a drawer of mis-matched socks being the down side.
Thanks Rand:) LOL
When I feel worry about to attack I strike back with uplifting Gospel music, positive friends, my Unity Podcasts and of course reading empowering scriptures from the Bible. As the Word says, If God be for us who can be against us? And nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Hey DeBorah:) Thanks for the comment and for stopping by. I think that’s a great technique. Thanks for sharing your wisdom here.
In the silence of late night and into early morning when the earth is at peace is the best time to meditate and reconnect with the source who is God. Music opens my heart to the Beloved and at once I become one with Him. I surrender myself to the soulful, worship filled Gospel songs and Baptist/Methodist Hymns, but I’m also drawn into the Gregorian chants, the Hebrew calls to worship the Glory of God, the voices of a CHANTICLEER CHRISTMAS as they take you on a journey to Christmas’ past and present; the sights of the whirling Dervishes who completely surrender themselves in dance to the joys of the Beloved. I happily borrow the complimentary parts from many faiths that were created to uplift and give grace to mankind. Each type of music offers a re connection to the Beloved/the Source of all Peace & Joy.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts DeBorah:) I appreciate it.
I worry a lot about everything but since i started reading your blogs i am learning bit by bit not to worry and focus on the moment.I HAVE REALIZED THE TIME I HAVE SPENT WORRYING WHY SOMETHING ISN’T HAPPENING OR WHY I DID IT THIS WAY WAY I CUD JUST LET IT GO AND FOCUS MY ATTENTION ELSEWHERE.
So glad Kay that you are enjoying the site and that it is helping:) I am also glad you are taking steps day by day to break the worrying habit:) That is such a great thing and I know you will find it immensely valuable. Thanks so much for dropping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it.
Hi Sibyl, Thank you so much for this article. It has come at the perfect time…I have spend most of this year worrying about family and friends – my day job, money, setting up a new business (not off the starting block) and finally my relationship with my long standing boyfriend and in doing so I have lost a year of being creative and working on my designs and skills. Today is a new day and a fresh start. Thank you jane
It really is a new day Jane. No need to let the worrying weigh you down anymore:) Thanks so much for the comment and thanks for dropping by. I appreciate it.
I used to worry a lot.. even now I do. To reduce the worry I do more prayers. With experience I realized that worrying is not going to solve the problem….and your blog gives much more detailed views on how to get rid of it. Thanks again Sibyl for the wonderful post.
Siva
You are so welcome Siva:) So glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment.